The Thermals: Just one of the best bands around. Period. If you haven’t heard The Body, the Blood, the Machine I severely doubt your credentials as a person. I saw them a few months ago in Spokane, what a show. Learn every word to every song and get in the front with your fist held high as these guys are going to blow everyone away.

The Flaming Lips playing The Soft Bulletin: I’d be lying if I said I was a big fan of the Flaming Lips, but from everyone I’ve ever talked to who’s seen them, it’s an experience for the ages. I recently grabbed The Soft Bulletin and I’m pretty giddy to witness what has to be the most talked about live show in the indie rock world.

Archers of Loaf: I had predicted the Thermals playing and the Flaming Lips are Sasquatch! veterans, so no surprises there, but my jaw dropped when I saw these recently reunited North Carolina indie rock gods on the line up. If Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain isn’t the best 90’s indie rock album, Icky Mettle is. Listen to “Web in Front” repeatedly in preparation.

Death From Above 1979: Another rad reunited band! I am foaming at the mouth of the prospect of dancing my balls off during these guys’ set. Their lone album You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine is worth listening to a couple hundred times before Memorial day comes around.

Against Me!: Sure, they’ll probably mostly play New Wave and White Crosses, but I’ve put myself through the torture of a recent Against Me! live set twice now, and they say third time’s a charm. Maybe after recently leaving their label, Against Me! will realize just why so many kids place Reinventing Axl Rose as an important part of growing up as learning to ride a bike or reading. Plus,White Crosses isn’t that bad.